WHY RADIO?

We live in a society that is profoundly influenced by mass media, particularly television, movies and radio. This is shaping our knowledge, and perhaps more importantly, our attitudes about acceptable, affordable and successful health options.

In the current mass media environment, most of us, receive heavily biased information. Current approaches to health education often ignore the use of these strong communication vehicles. By presenting the latest health news via radio, a format easy to relate to we can motivate listeners to make intelligent new choices in healthcare. Increasing numbers of people have been paying out of pocket for the services of alternative and indigenous healthcare practitioners, with good results. Consequently, because so many of these alternative and potentially complementary modalities are so effective, people are starting to demand that they be included in their health insurance coverage. To answer that call, conventional medicine is increasingly including ‘integrative’ approaches, learning about alternative modalities, and combining these with standard care when appropriate.

Information about complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) has been mainstreamed for over 15 years, but has not trickled down in availability from the more affluent communities. Alternative healthcare is not just for the “fringe” anymore. Therefore, it is important for SHOC/ KUNM radio listeners to learn that numerous integrative approaches available. A radio program can accelerate the knowledge & accessibility of proven research information.

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Sage Health On Call / KUNM 89.9 FM provides a vital and strategic intercultural network, linking listeners to health advocates, practitioners, educators, medical providers, researchers, community organizers, and agencies in different cultural areas. The Integrative Health Weekly magazine will develop and maintain a long term commitment to health literacy, health justice, democracy and healthcare integrity.